May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, which gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have helped shape our nation’s history. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Unite our Nation by Empowering Equality,” a somewhat timely message, as the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has made ‘unity’ the mantra of our time.

The theme struck me. How do we empower equality? Empowered equality goes beyond equal treatment — which often disregards backgrounds and life experiences — to acknowledge and embrace differences that make our society ‘whole.’

The stories I’m sending you this month are evidence of this idea — that our unity is stronger when it’s made up of diverse parts. We hope you enjoy these stories in honor of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, whose rich history and culture have dramatically influenced our own.